Memorable Christmas parties at Lapland Hotels

Christmas party trends for 2026 highlight high-quality food and drinks, different ways to celebrate and shared experiences

At Christmas parties, special attention is paid to the quality of the food, drinks and service. The aim is to focus the available budget on what matters most to the shared experience.

At Lapland Hotels, our food philosophy is rooted in high-quality ingredients from northern nature that leave a lasting impression. Game, reindeer, mushrooms, lichen and other northern ingredients are transformed by our chefs into memorable culinary experiences.

We carefully select drinks to complement the dishes, while our warm, attentive service adds the finishing touch.

More attention is now being paid to the quality and variety of non-alcoholic drinks. This does not necessarily mean an entirely alcohol-free celebration, but rather a selection that caters to different guests.

“High-quality non-alcoholic options are becoming increasingly important, and expectations are rising. They, too, should feel like a carefully considered part of the celebration,” says Sales Manager Annika Kaasalainen.

At Lapland Hotels, non-alcoholic drinks are also designed to complement the flavours of the dishes and offer a memorable alternative to wine. Our own selection is complemented by drinks made from natural ingredients by small-scale producers such as Annelin Yrtit & Karkit in Rovaniemi.

Food remains one of the most important factors when choosing a Christmas party venue. Traditional Christmas menus and buffets remain popular, but there is also demand for fresh interpretations, table-served menus and alternatives to Christmas food.

“Some companies are looking for a distinctive twist on the traditional Christmas table, while others opt for a completely different menu. Our restaurants, which specialise in northern flavours, offer their own take on Christmas culinary traditions,” Annika Kaasalainen continues.

Christmas parties do not have to take place in the evening. Your team can gather for a festive lunch or start the day with a shared breakfast and a bowl of Christmas porridge. Breakfast and lunch also suit groups looking for a more relaxed alternative to a traditional evening celebration.

The slow-cooked Hurmos porridge, a familiar favourite from Lapland Hotels’ northern flavours breakfast, is a natural addition to a shared festive moment. Guests have already begun requesting it as part of their Christmas celebrations.

When choosing a Christmas party venue, companies look for atmosphere, character and a setting that leaves a lasting impression. A venue that already feels festive makes planning easier, as there is no need to create the setting from scratch.

At Lapland Hotels, the northern atmosphere comes through in the décor, music, flavours and warm service. Natural materials, soft lighting and interiors inspired by the north provide a ready-made setting for your Christmas celebration.

Shared activities can also make a celebration memorable. There is no need to plan a full day or evening of entertainment – even one shared experience can make the occasion special. Depending on the hotel, your Christmas party can include a concert, a sauna session, a spa visit or an outdoor activity.

“In Tampere, you can combine a memorable Christmas party with a concert or another event at Nokia Arena. Companies can book a private box with catering at Lapland Hotels Arena and complete the evening with dinner, sauna sessions and an overnight stay at the hotel. A lift provides direct access from the hotel to the Nokia Arena lobby,” suggests Sales Manager Jari Hakovirta.

“At Haikko Manor & Spa Hotel, good food and time together can be complemented by wellbeing activities in the coastal surroundings and spa. Spa treatments, moments of relaxation and massages are ideal additions to a Christmas party visit. They also make gifts that employees appreciate,” Kaasalainen says.